Purpose

     For years the question has been discussed in learned society: What is the purpose of man? There is an entire book, maybe more than one, dedicated to discovering the reason for man's existence. Great minds have pondered the question, and men who could find no answer have given up on life itself. 
    Christians have been aware of the answer for years. It's written plainly in the Word of God. "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7) Such a simple answer, yet so profound.
    But still, many of us seem to have missed an important connection. This gives man his meaning, yes, to bring glory and honor to God, yet focusing solely on that point may leave some in confusion. 
    Does this mean we are mere pawns, playing out some fantastical game for a distant God? Does He not care about me, my needs, and my desires? Is it all about Him and His will, and I am placed against my desire into a world of pain and sorrow in order to glorify a harsh and careless master? What kind of God is this that we serve anyhow?
    A while back something clicked in place for me. 1 John 4:16 says "...God is love..." There is no question. The statement is plain. And suddenly I began to find new understanding about the piece of man's purpose I had been missing. We are to bring glory to God, that is true, but we forget what came first. 
    Love, by it's very nature, cannot be hoarded. It must be shared. The Bible doesn't say God is like love. It doesn't say that He is good at loving. It says God is love. This is a significant difference. God's very existence needed to be shared. And so He created man.
    He created us to lavish His love upon. He made us to be the apple of His eye, the crown of His creation. We were created to bring Him joy by giving Love a place to dwell. 
    When we can understand that God did not create us to live in a miserable world just so He could sit back and watch us stumble through life, but rather created us occupants of a world thirsty for a Love that only He could give, it completely changes the picture. 
    He gave us a choice to accept or reject Him, and it is in acceptance of Love that we find a place to fulfill our purpose of glorifying Him. Accepting the magnificence of His love grants us a burning desire to do all we can for the One who cares so much for us.

    This new picture of the creation and purpose of man has helped me so much. Realizing that my acceptance of His love and the plan of salvation is in itself bringing glory to God has made my purpose not seem like such a vague, distant thing to fulfill. 

    Giving us a choice was a risk God chose to take when He created humans. What honor would it be to Him were we created to accept His love and love Him in return without an option to do otherwise? Love is a gift, offered free for all, but we must first believe it exists, and then choose to accept it.

    As we "...grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever..." (2 Peter 3:18) We will also come to a clearer understanding of obedience and submission, both of which are fruits of understanding God's love, choosing Him, and fulfilling our purpose to glorify our Creator.

    I don't pretend to understand everything. Love is a mystery. But I want to live my life full of meaning. I want to choose Him every day in every way. And someday I want to see the mystery revealed as I stand at His throne, worshipping and praising Him for all He has done. And I pray you will be standing there, too. 

    Love to you all, and wishing you each a wonderful week of fulfilling your purpose!